Electronic device including a flexible printed circuit board

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising: at least one hinge module providing at least one folding axis; a first housing coupled to the hinge module and rotating about the folding axis; a second housing coupled to the hinge module and rotating about the folding axis, and rotating relative to the first housing between a first position folded toward the first housing and a second position unfolded from the first position by a specified angle; a first battery provided in the first housing; a first circuit board including a first arrangement area at least partially arranged alongside the first battery along a direction parallel to the folding axis and a second arrangement area extending from the first arrangement area and arranged between the folding axis and the battery; and at least one flexible printed circuit board extending from an interior of the first housing to an interior of the second housing and arranged to cross the folding axis, wherein within the first housing, one end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the second arrangement area between the folding axis and the first battery, and a portion of the flexible printed circuit board is arranged between the first battery and the second arrangement area.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device having at least a pair of housings pivotally coupled to one another. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of electronic, information and communication technologies, various functions are integrated into a single portable communication or electronic device. For example, a smartphone includes a function of a sound player, an image capture device or an electronic organizer in addition to a communication function, and further various functions can be realized by installing additional applications on the smartphone.

[0003] By connecting to a network, users are not limited to functions (e.g., applications) or information installed in a portable communication device or electronic device itself, but can search, select, and obtain more information. In connecting to a network, a direct connection method (e.g., wired communication) can provide fast and stable communication, but the application area may be limited to a fixed location or a certain amount of space. In connecting to a network, a wireless communication method has fewer location and space restrictions, and the transfer speed and stability are gradually approaching the same level as the direct connection method. In the future, it is expected that the wireless communication method will provide faster and more stable communication than the direct connection method.

[0004] As the use of personal or portable communication devices such as smartphones becomes more common, users' demands for portability and ease of use are increasing. For example, a touch screen display is an output device that outputs a screen, e.g., visual information, while providing a virtual keypad to replace a mechanical input device (e.g., a button-type input device). This allows portable communication devices or electronic devices to be smaller while still providing the same or improved usability (e.g., a larger screen). Meanwhile, the commercialization of flexible, e.g., foldable or rollable displays is expected to further improve the portability and ease of use of electronic devices.

[0005] The preceding information is provided as background intended to aid in understanding the disclosure herein. No assertion or determination is made as to the applicability of any of the preceding as prior art with respect to the disclosure herein.

[0006] In electronic devices with a foldable structure, various electronic components are arranged in individual housings and electrically connected via wiring such as cables or flexible printed circuit boards. The wiring such as cables or flexible printed circuit boards can be connected to another circuit board by including at least one connector. The electronic device can perform ultra-high-speed communication or large-capacity data transfer by having low loss, wideband characteristics, and / or including more wiring. For example, as the performance or communication function of the electronic device is expanded, the number of wirings connecting the electronic components arranged in the individual housings also increases. However, in the reality that the internal space of the housing is becoming narrower due to the portability of the electronic device, it is difficult to secure space in which cables and wirings for connecting the electronic components can be arranged. As more wirings are arranged, the design freedom regarding the arrangement of the electric / electronic components or the capacity of the battery is restricted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a portable communication device that include a wiring structure (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board or a connector for connecting the same) that can expand the placement area of ​​other electronic components on a circuit board. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge area disposed between the first housing and the second housing, at least one hinge module provided in the hinge area and coupled to the first housing and the second housing and configured to allow rotation of the first housing and the second housing relative to each other between a folded position and an unfolded position, a first battery provided in the first housing, a first circuit board provided in the first housing and including a first portion disposed between the first battery and the hinge area, and at least one flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) extending from an interior of the first housing to an interior of the second housing, a portion of the at least one flexible printed circuit board being disposed between the first battery and the first portion of the first circuit board.

[0009] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes at least one hinge module providing at least one folding axis; a first housing coupled to the hinge module and rotating about the folding axis; a second housing coupled to the hinge module and rotating about the folding axis, the second housing rotating relative to the first housing between a first position folded toward the first housing and a second position unfolded from the first position by a specified angle; a first battery provided in the first housing; a first circuit board including a first arrangement area at least partially arranged alongside the first battery along a direction parallel to the folding axis and a second arrangement area extending from the first arrangement area and arranged between the folding axis and the battery; and at least one flexible printed circuit board extending from an interior of the first housing to an interior of the second housing and arranged to cross the folding axis, wherein within the first housing, one end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the second arrangement area between the folding axis and the first battery, and a portion of the flexible printed circuit board is arranged between the first battery and the second arrangement area.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a portable communication device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing foldable about a folding axis, the housing including a first housing part, a second housing part, and a hinge cover located between at least a part of the first housing part and at least a part of the second housing part, the first housing part including a first side wall part extending parallel to the folding axis, a second side wall part extending perpendicular to the folding axis from a first end of the first side wall part, and a third side wall part extending perpendicular to the folding axis from a second end of the first side wall part, a hinge module accommodated in the housing and connected to the first housing part and the second housing part, a flexible display accommodated in the first housing part and the second housing part, a battery accommodated in the first housing part and having a first side surface facing the second side wall part and spaced a first distance from the second side wall part and a second side surface facing the hinge cover and spaced a second distance shorter than the first distance from the hinge cover, the battery being accommodated in the first housing part, a first rigid printed circuit board (RPCB) accommodated in the second housing portion, the first rigid printed circuit board including a first portion positioned between the first side of the battery and the second side wall portion, and a second portion extending from the first portion and positioned between the second side of the battery and the hinge cover, the second portion including a first surface facing the flexible display, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the second portion, and a first connector positioned on the second surface of the second portion; a second RPCB including a third portion at least partially opposed to the first surface of the flexible display, the third portion including a first surface facing the flexible display, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the third portion, and a second connector located on the second surface of the third portion; and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) at least partially disposed between the hinge cover and the flexible display and coupled to the first connector of the first RPCB and the second connector of the second RPCB, the FPCB including a first surface facing the flexible display,The second portion extends in a first direction to surround a side surface between the first surface and the second surface and a part of the first surface of the second portion, and is connected to the first connector, and extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction to be connected to the second connector.

[0011] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes at least one hinge module; a first housing coupled to the hinge module and rotating about a first rotation axis; a second housing coupled to the hinge module and rotating about a second rotation axis, the second housing rotating relative to the first housing between a first position folded toward the first housing and a second position unfolded from the first position by a specified angle; at least one battery provided in at least one of the first housing and the second housing; and at least one flexible printed circuit board extending from an interior of the first housing to an interior of the second housing and disposed intersecting the first rotation axis or the second rotation axis, wherein at the second position, one end of the flexible printed circuit board is disposed in parallel with the battery in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis or the second rotation axis.

[0012] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes a first housing that rotates about a first rotation axis; a second housing that rotates about a second rotation axis and rotates relative to the first housing between a first position where the second housing is folded facing the first housing and a second position where the second housing is unfolded by a specified angle from the first position; a hinge module that rotatably couples the second housing to the first housing to provide the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis; at least one battery provided in at least one of the first housing and the second housing; at least one circuit board provided in at least one of the two housings; and at least one flexible printed circuit board extending from an interior of the first housing to an interior of the second housing and arranged to intersect with the first rotation axis or the second rotation axis, the circuit board including a first arrangement region positioned next to the battery in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis, and a second arrangement region extending from the first arrangement region along the first rotation axis direction and positioned next to the battery in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis, one end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the circuit board in the second arrangement region. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, wiring connecting electric / electronic components (e.g., a circuit board) accommodated in separate housings is arranged to connect to the circuit board at a position substantially aligned with the battery within one housing, and is located in the region between the battery and the other housing, and at least one pair of housings are rotatably coupled, and such a connection position substantially corresponds to an idle space. For example, by arranging the wiring structure in the idle space, more area is secured in other regions of the circuit board in which electronic components (e.g., integrated circuit chips and passive elements) can be placed. For example, design freedom is improved in placing electronic components on the circuit board. In addition, by miniaturizing the circuit board without placing electronic components in the more secured electronic component placement area, the space in the internal space of the housing in which the battery capacity can be expanded is expanded. In addition, by miniaturizing the housing without expanding the battery capacity in the expanded space, the electronic device can be miniaturized.

[0014] Other aspects, advantages, and features of the various embodiments disclosed herein will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an electronic device in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3B] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a hinge structure or hinge module of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating a wiring structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a first plan view showing a first circuit board of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a second plan view showing a first circuit board of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a first plan view showing a second circuit board of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second plan view showing a second circuit board of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing plate of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a flexible printed circuit board of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the circuit board or the reinforcing plate of the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific examples of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to designate like parts, configurations and / or structures throughout the drawings.

[0017] The following description of the drawings is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure defined by the claims and the corresponding contents. The specific embodiment disclosed in the following description includes various specific details for the purpose of aiding understanding, but it is considered as one of various embodiments. Therefore, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described in this specification can be made without departing from the scope and technical spirit of the disclosure. Also, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, the description of well-known functions and configurations is omitted.

[0018] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their reference meanings, but are used to clearly and consistently describe one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only, and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure as defined herein and the like.

[0019] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include the plural reference, so for example, reference to "a surface of a component" is intended to include one or more of the surfaces of the component.

[0020] The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be of various types, including, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computing device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronic device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present specification is not limited to the devices described above or below.

[0021] Various embodiments and terms used in the present specification are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present specification to a specific embodiment, but should be understood as including various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item includes one or more of the item, unless otherwise specified in the relevant context. In the present specification, each of phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" includes any one of the items listed together in the phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" are simply used to distinguish one component from other components, and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When one (e.g., a first) component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the one component can be coupled to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0022] The term "module" as used in various embodiments herein includes a unit implemented by hardware, software, or firmware, and is used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrated component or the smallest unit or part of a component that performs one or more functions. For example, in one embodiment, a module is implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0023] Various embodiments herein may be embodied as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) retrieves and executes at least one instruction from the one or more stored instructions from the storage medium. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function in response to the retrieved at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently and data being stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in a computer program product. The computer program product is traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or is distributed in the form of an application store (e.g., the Play Store, TM ) or directly between both user devices (e.g., smartphones). In online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product is at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0025] According to an embodiment, each of the above-mentioned components (e.g., modules or programs) includes one or more entities, and some of the entities are arranged separately in other components. According to an embodiment, one or more of the above-mentioned components or operations are omitted, or one or more other components or operations are added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) are integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component can perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components before integration. According to an embodiment, operations performed by a module, program, or other component are performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations are performed in another order, omitted, or one or more other operations are added.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an electronic device 100 in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an electronic device 100 in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3A is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In describing an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration in which a pair of housings (e.g., a first housing 110 and a second housing 120) are rotatably coupled to each other by a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge module 102 in FIG. 3A ) is illustrated. However, it should be noted that such an embodiment does not limit the electronic device 100 according to various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include three or more housings, and in the embodiment disclosed below, a "pair of housings" means "two housings among the three or more housings that are rotatably coupled to each other."

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference may be made to the "+X / -X direction", "+Y / -Y direction", or "+Z / -Z direction", and it should be noted that the Cartesian coordinate system described below will generally be described based on the width direction X, length direction Y, or thickness direction Z of the first housing 110 in Fig. 1 or 2. For example, the definitions of the directions as described above may be changed in various ways depending on the embodiment or when setting based on other structures of the electronic device 100. In the following detailed description, the 'front face' or 'rear face' of the electronic device 100 or the housing (110, 120) may be referred to, and this is defined as the 'front face of the electronic device 100 (or the housing (110, 120))', regardless of the relative position of the housing (110, 120) (e.g., unfolded (or flat) state or folded state), and the face facing the opposite direction to the face on which the flexible display 130 is arranged is defined as the 'rear face of the electronic device 100 (or the housing (110, 120))'. Depending on the embodiment, reference may be made to a "configuration in which the electronic device 100 includes a display," where the "display" refers to the flexible display 130 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3A.

[0029] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes a pair of housings (110, 120) rotatably connected to each other, a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover 140 in FIG. 3A) that covers a foldable portion of the housings (110, 120), and a foldable display (e.g., flexible display 130) disposed in a space formed by the housings (110, 120). According to one embodiment, the surface on which the flexible display 130 is disposed is defined as the first surface 110a and / or the third surface 120a of the electronic device 100 and / or the housing (110, 120). In another embodiment, the surface opposite to the first surface 110a and / or the third surface 120a is defined as the second surface 110b and / or the fourth surface 120b of the electronic device 100 and / or the housing (110, 120). In yet other embodiments, a surface encompassing the space between the first surface 110a and the second surface 110b and / or the space between the third surface 120a and the fourth surface 120b is defined as a side 113 (e.g., the first side 111a and the second side 121a) of the electronic device 100 and / or the housing (110, 120). In some embodiments, the second surface 110b includes a sub-display 182.

[0030] According to one embodiment, in an unfolded position (e.g., a flat state), the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are arranged side by side on one side of each other, and a hinge area (or hinge space) is formed between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 in the unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the hinge area (or hinge space) is disposed at a position that at least partially corresponds to the folding area 133 of the display 130. For example, at least in the flat state, a hinge structure or hinge module 102 is provided in the hinge area to rotatably couple the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 to each other. In some embodiments, the shape or size of the hinge area or hinge space changes as the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 rotate relative to each other.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the housing (110, 120) includes a first housing (or first housing structure) 110, a second housing (or second housing structure) 120 including a sensor area 124, a first rear cover 180, a second rear cover 190, and a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure or hinge module 102 of FIG. 4). The housings (110, 120) of the electronic device 100 are not limited to the forms or combinations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may be embodied by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing 110 and the first rear cover 180 are integrally formed, and the second housing 120 and the second rear cover 190 are integrally formed.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the first housing 110 is coupled to the hinge structure or hinge module 102 and rotates about a first rotation axis (e.g., the first rotation axis P1 in FIG. 3A ), and includes a first surface 110a facing a first direction (e.g., +Z direction) and a second surface 110b facing a second direction (e.g., −Z direction) opposite to the first direction. The second housing 120 is coupled to the hinge module 102 and rotates about a second rotation axis (e.g., the second rotation axis P2 in FIG. 3A ), and includes a third surface 120a facing a third direction and a fourth surface 120b facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and rotates relative to the first housing 110 about the hinge module 102. The third direction refers to the Z-axis direction, and is defined as the +Z direction or −Z direction depending on the unfolded state or the folded state. For example, the electronic device 100 can be changed to a folded state or an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are spaced apart by various distances depending on the design of the hinge module 102. In some embodiments, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are substantially parallel, while in other embodiments, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are coincident with each other to form the folding axis A of FIG. 1. The configuration of the hinge structure or hinge module 102 will be described with further reference to FIG. 3B.

[0033] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a hinge structure or a hinge module of an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 3A) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] 3B, the hinge structure or hinge module 102 includes a hinge bracket 141, hinge arms (143a, 143b), and / or pivot pins (145a, 145b). In one embodiment, a plurality (e.g., a pair) of hinge structures or hinge modules 102 are arranged in a spaced apart state in the electronic device 100. For example, a pair of hinge modules 102 are arranged along the Y-axis direction with a certain distance therebetween. In one embodiment, a wiring (e.g., flexible printed circuit board 441 in FIG. 10) electrically connecting the internal components of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is arranged through the gap or space between the pair of hinge modules 102 and crosses the first pivot axis P1 and / or the second pivot axis P2.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket 141 is substantially housed within the hinge cover 140 and fixed to an inner surface of the hinge cover 140. In one embodiment, a first hinge arm 143a of the hinge arms (143a, 143b) is disposed or fixed to the first mid-plate 152 and pivotally coupled to the hinge bracket 141. For example, a first pivot pin 145a of the pivot pins (145a, 145b) pivotally couples the first hinge arm 143a to the hinge bracket 141. In another embodiment, a second hinge arm 143b of the hinge arms (143a, 143b) is disposed or fixed to the second mid-plate 154 and pivotally coupled to the hinge bracket 141. For example, the second pivot pin 145b of the pivot pins (145a, 145b) pivotally couples the second hinge arm 143b to the hinge bracket 141.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are substantially formed by the pivot pins (145a, 145b). For example, the pivot pins (145a, 145b) are rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket 141 while maintaining a state parallel to the Y axis. In one embodiment, the pivot pins (145a, 145b) are fixed to the hinge bracket 141, and the hinge arms (143a, 143b) are rotatably or rotatably coupled to the pivot pins (145a, 145b). According to one embodiment, the spacing between the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 is set on the hinge bracket 141 by the spacing between the pivot pins (145a, 145b).

[0037] According to an embodiment, in a folded state of the electronic device 100, the first surface 110a faces the third surface 120a, and in an unfolded state, the third direction is the same as the first direction. For example, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 rotate relative to each other between a first position where they are folded facing each other and a second position where they are unfolded by a specified angle (e.g., 180°) from the first position. According to an embodiment, in an unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first and third directions are +Z directions, and the second and fourth directions are -Z directions. According to an embodiment, in a folded state of the electronic device 100, the first and fourth directions are +Z directions, and the second and third directions are -Z directions. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, directions will be described based on the unfolded state of the electronic device 100.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are disposed on either side of the folding axis A and have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 changes depending on whether the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. According to an embodiment, unlike the first housing 110, the second housing 120 further includes a sensor area 124 in which various sensors are arranged, but the other areas have a symmetrical shape with respect to each other.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes a structure into which a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen) can be inserted. For example, a hole 123 into which the digital pen can be inserted is formed on a side of the first housing 110 or a side of the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100. Since the digital pen is inserted into the hole 123, the inconvenience of carrying a separate digital pen is reduced for a user.

[0040] 1, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 together form a recess that accommodates the display 130. In one embodiment, due to the sensor area 124, the display 130 has a partially asymmetric shape.

[0041] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a selected amount of rigidity to support the display 130. At least a portion formed of a metallic material provides a ground plane for the electronic device 100 and is electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., circuit boards 162 and 164 in FIG. 3A).

[0042] According to an embodiment, the sensor area 124 is formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing 120. However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area 124 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in other embodiments, the sensor area 124 is provided at another corner of the second housing 120 or at any location between the top corner and the bottom corner. In an embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device 100 are exposed to the front of the electronic device 100 through the sensor area 124 or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area 124. In an embodiment, the components include various sensors. The sensor includes at least one of a front camera, a receiver, an illuminance sensor, and a proximity sensor, for example.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover 180 is disposed on the rear side of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the first housing 110) on one side of the folding axis A, and has, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, the periphery being concealed by the first housing 110. Similarly, the second rear cover 190 is disposed on the rear side of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the second housing 120) on the other side of the folding axis A, and the periphery being concealed by the second housing 120.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover 180 and the second rear cover 190 have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis (axis A). However, the first rear cover 180 and the second rear cover 190 do not necessarily have a mutually symmetrical shape, and in other embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes the first rear cover 180 and the second rear cover 190 having various shapes. In yet another embodiment, the first rear cover 180 is formed integrally with the first housing 110, and the second rear cover 190 is formed integrally with the second housing 120.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first rear cover 180, the second rear cover 190, the first housing 110, and the second housing 120 form a space in which various components of the electronic device 100 (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) are disposed. In one embodiment, one or more components are disposed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 100. For example, the electronic device 100 includes a sub-display at least a portion of which is visually exposed from the first rear region 182 of the first rear cover 180. In other embodiments, one or more components or sensors are visually exposed from the second rear region 192 of the second rear cover 190. In one embodiment, the sensor exposed from the second rear region 192 includes a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.

[0046] In one embodiment, a front camera exposed on the front side of electronic device 100 through one or more openings in sensor area 124 or a rear camera exposed through second rear area 192 of second rear cover 190 includes one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, a flash, including, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp, is disposed in second rear area 192. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide angle and a telephoto lens) and an image sensor are disposed on one side of electronic device 100.

[0047] 2, the hinge cover 140 is disposed between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 and configured to receive and cover the internal components (e.g., the hinge structure or hinge module 102 in FIG. 3A). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover 140 is covered by a portion of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 or exposed to the outside depending on the state of the electronic device 100 (flat state or unfolded state). In one embodiment, in a first position, for example, the folded state shown in FIG. 2, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are folded substantially to face each other, and the hinge cover 140 is visually exposed to the outside space. In another embodiment, in a second position, for example, the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are unfolded by an angle of 180° from the first position, and the hinge cover 140 is substantially hidden by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. As yet another example, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover 140 is partially exposed to the outside between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. However, in this case, the exposed area is less than in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover 140 includes a curved surface.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the display 130 is disposed in a space formed by the housings (110, 120). For example, the display 130 is mounted in a recess formed by the housings (110, 120) and constitutes a majority of the front surface of the electronic device 100. Thus, the front surface of the electronic device 100 includes the display 130, a portion of the first housing 110 adjacent to the display 130, and a portion of the second housing 120. The rear surface of the electronic device 100 includes the first rear cover 180, a portion of the first housing 110 adjacent to the first rear cover 180, the second rear cover 190, and a portion of the second housing 120 adjacent to the second rear cover 190.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the display 130 refers to a flexible display in which at least a portion of the display 130 can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. According to an embodiment, the display 130 includes a folding area 133, a first area 131 disposed on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding area 133 shown in FIG. 1) of the folding area 133, and a second area 132 disposed on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding area 133 shown in FIG. 1).

[0050] However, the area division of the display 130 shown in FIG. 1 is exemplary, and the display 130 is divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more, or two) according to structure or function. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the areas of the display 130 are divided by the folding area 133 or folding axis (A axis) extending parallel to the Y axis, but in other embodiments, the display 130 is divided into areas based on other folding areas (e.g., folding areas parallel to the X axis) or other folding axes (e.g., folding axes parallel to the X axis). In one embodiment, the display 130 is coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor that measures the strength (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field type stylus pen.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the first region 131 and the second region 132 have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding region 133. However, unlike the first region 131, the second region 132 includes a notch or a transparent region cut by the presence of the sensor region 124, and the other regions have a symmetrical shape to the first region 131. In other words, the first region 131 and the second region 132 include portions having symmetrical shapes and portions having asymmetrical shapes.

[0052] The operation of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 and each area of ​​the display 130 according to the state of the electronic device 100 (for example, the flat state or the unfolded state and the folded state) will be described below.

[0053] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state (e.g., FIG. 1), the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are arranged such that the first region 131 and the second region 132 of the display 130 face in the same direction while forming a specified angle, e.g., an angle of 180°. For example, the surface of the first region 131 and the surface of the second region 132 of the display 130 face in the same direction (e.g., toward the front of the electronic device) while forming an angle of 180°. The folding region 133 forms the same plane as the first region 131 and the second region 132.

[0054] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2), the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are disposed to face each other. The surfaces of the first region 131 and the second region 132 of the display 130 face each other with a small angle (e.g., in the range of 0° to 10°). The folding region 133 is at least partially formed of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

[0055] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are disposed at a certain angle relative to each other, for example, any angle between the first position of FIG. 2 and the second position of FIG. 1. The surfaces of the first region 131 and the second region 132 of the display 130 are disposed at an angle that is larger than in the folded state and smaller than in the unfolded state. The folding region 133 is at least partially formed of a curved surface having a certain curvature, which is smaller than in the folded state.

[0056] 3A, the electronic device 100 includes a housing (110, 120), a display 130, and a circuit board (162, 164). The housing (110, 120) includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120, a bracket assembly 150, a first rear cover 180, a second rear cover 190, and a hinge structure 102.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the display 130 includes a display panel 135 and at least one support plate 137 upon which the display panel 135 rests. The support plate 137 is disposed between the display panel 135 and a bracket assembly 150.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the bracket assembly 150 includes a first mid-plate 152 and a second mid-plate 154. A hinge structure or hinge module 102 is disposed between the first mid-plate 152 and the second mid-plate 154. From an external perspective, the hinge structure 102 is covered by a hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover 140 in FIG. 2). According to an embodiment, wiring (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 441 in FIG. 4 or FIG. 10) that crosses the first mid-plate 152 and the second mid-plate 154 is disposed on the bracket assembly 150.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the circuit boards (162, 164) include a first circuit board 162 disposed on the first mid-plate 152 and a second circuit board 164 disposed on the second mid-plate 154. The first circuit board 162 and the second circuit board 164 are disposed within a space formed by the bracket assembly 150, the first housing 110, the second housing 120, the first rear cover 180, and the second rear cover 190. Electrical / electronic components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 100 are mounted on the first circuit board 162 and the second circuit board 164. In an embodiment, the first circuit board 162 and the second circuit board 164 may be interpreted as any one of electrical / electronic components.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are assembled to each other so as to be coupled to both sides of the bracket assembly 150 with the display 130 coupled to the bracket assembly 150. For example, the first housing 110 includes a first side member 111 surrounding at least a portion of a side of the first mid-plate 152, and the second housing 120 includes a second side member 121 surrounding at least a portion of a side of the second mid-plate 154. The first housing 110 includes a first rotation support surface 112, and the second housing 120 includes a second rotation support surface 122 corresponding to the first rotation support surface 112. The first rotation support surface 112 and the second rotation support surface 122 include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 140. According to an embodiment, the first side member 111 includes a first side surface 111a that at least partially surrounds the space between the first surface 110a and the second surface 110b and is perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction. According to one embodiment, the second side member 121 includes a second side surface 121a that surrounds at least a portion between the third surface 120a and the fourth surface 120b and is perpendicular to the third direction or the fourth direction.

[0061] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 1), the first rotating support surface 112 and the second rotating support surface 122 hide the hinge cover 140, so that the hinge cover 140 is not exposed or is only exposed to a minimum extent to the rear surface of the electronic device 100. As yet another example, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), the first rotating support surface 112 and the second rotating support surface 122 expose the hinge cover 140, so that the hinge cover 140 is exposed to the exterior space of the electronic device 100 to the maximum extent.

[0062] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes at least one battery (169a, 169b). For example, the electronic device 100 includes a battery (169a, 169b) disposed in one of the housings (110, 120) or in each of the housings (110, 120). The batteries (169a, 169b) are disposed substantially adjacent to the circuit boards (162, 164) and provide power to at least one component of the electronic device 100. In one embodiment, the batteries (169a, 169b) include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the wiring structure of an electronic device (for example, the electronic device 100 in FIGS. 1 to 3A) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] 4, the electronic device 400 includes at least one flexible printed circuit board 441 (e.g., a first flexible printed circuit board 441a and a second flexible printed circuit board 441b) disposed across at least one of the rotation axes (P1, P2). For example, the flexible printed circuit board 441 extends from an internal space of the first housing 110 to an inside of the second housing 120 through a space formed by the hinge cover 140 (e.g., the hinge cover 140 of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3A). In an embodiment, the electronic device includes another flexible printed circuit board (e.g., a third flexible printed circuit board 441c) that connects electronic components to each other inside one housing (e.g., the first housing 110). For example, the third flexible printed circuit board 441c connects a charging terminal or an earphone jack (not shown) to the first circuit board 162 inside the first housing 110.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first flexible printed circuit board 441a transmits analog signals for wireless communication. In some embodiments, the second flexible printed circuit board 441b provides circuit patterns for MIPI (mobile industry processor interface) signals, CAM (camera) MIPI signals, PCI express signals, various clock signals, integrated circuit control signals, system power, I / O power, SIM power, and / or battery. Depending on the number of second flexible printed circuit boards 441b, one second flexible printed circuit board 441b includes signal lines transmitting selected parts of the signals or power sources listed above, and in other embodiments, one second flexible printed circuit board 441b includes signal lines transmitting or conveying both of the signals or power sources listed above. In yet other embodiments, the third flexible printed circuit board 441c provides circuit patterns for USB 2.0 signals, USB 3.0 signals, various clock signals, charging lines, and / or integrated circuit control signals. In one embodiment, a third flexible printed circuit board electrically couples connectors for connecting to external electronic devices to the circuit boards (162, 164).

[0066] According to an embodiment, in a plan view in the second position, for example, when the housings (110, 120) are unfolded, one end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 is located between one of the batteries (169a, 169b) and the pivot shafts (P1, P2). For example, in a structure in which the first battery 169a is disposed in the first housing 110, when the electronic device 400 is unfolded, one end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 is located between the first battery 169a and the first pivot shaft P1 inside the first housing 110. For example, a portion of the first circuit board 462 (for example, the first circuit board 162 in FIG. 3A) accommodated in the first housing 110 is located next to one side of the first battery 169a, providing an area to which the flexible printed circuit board 441 is connected. In another embodiment, in a structure in which the second battery 169b is disposed in the second housing 120, when the electronic device 400 is unfolded, the other end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 is disposed between the second battery 169b and the second pivot axis P2 inside the second housing 120. For example, a portion of the second circuit board 464 (e.g., the second circuit board 164 in FIG. 3A) accommodated in the second housing 120 is positioned next to one side of the second battery 169b and provides an area to which the flexible printed circuit board 441 is connected.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first circuit board 462 is, for example, the main circuit board of the electronic device 400, and includes various electric / electronic components (e.g., integrated circuit chips) including electric circuits such as a processor, a communication module, and a power management module. The configuration of the first circuit board 462 will be described with further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0068] Fig. 5 is a first plan view showing a first circuit board of an electronic device (for example, electronic device 100 of Figs. 1 to 3A) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a second plan view showing the first circuit board of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] 5 and 6, the first circuit board 462 includes a first arrangement region 462a and a second arrangement region 462b. The first arrangement region 462a is an area for mounting electric / electronic components such as a processor or a communication module, and is arranged next to the first battery 169a along a direction parallel to the length direction (Y-axis direction) and / or the rotation axis (P1, P2). The second arrangement region 462b extends from one side edge of the first arrangement region 462a and is arranged next to the first battery 169a along the width direction (X-axis direction) (and / or a direction intersecting the rotation axis (P1, P2)). For example, the second arrangement region 462b extends from the first arrangement region 462a in the length direction (Y-axis direction) and is arranged adjacent to the first battery 169a. In one embodiment, the first arrangement region 462a and the second arrangement region 462b are arranged corresponding to two side surfaces of the first battery 169a in a plan view.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the second arrangement region 462b is located on either one of both side edges of the first housing 110 in the width direction (X-axis direction), thereby providing an environment in which the capacity (e.g., volume) of the first battery 169a can be sufficiently secured in the internal space of the first housing 110. In one embodiment, the second arrangement region 462b is located in the internal space of the first housing 110 between a rotation support surface (e.g., the first rotation support surface 112 in FIG. 3A ) and the first battery 169a. For example, the second arrangement region 462b is located at a position substantially adjacent to the first rotation support surface 112, thereby providing an environment in which the capacity of the first battery 169a can be secured.

[0071] In one embodiment, the second circuit board 464 may be, for example, a secondary circuit board for the electronic device 400, and may include other electrical / electronic components (e.g., integrated circuit chips) on which electrical circuits are mounted. The configuration of the second circuit board 464 will be described with further reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0072] Fig. 7 is a first plan view showing a second circuit board of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of Figs. 1 to 3A) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a second plan view showing the second circuit board of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] 7 and 8, the second circuit board 464 includes a third arrangement region 464a and a fourth arrangement region 464b. The third arrangement region 464a is an area for mounting electric / electronic components such as an integrated circuit chip, and is arranged next to the second battery 169b along a direction parallel to the length direction (Y-axis direction) and / or the rotation axis (P1, P2). The fourth arrangement region 464b extends from one side edge of the third arrangement region 464a and is arranged next to the second battery 169b along the width direction (X-axis direction) (and / or a direction intersecting the rotation axis (P1, P2)). For example, the fourth arrangement region 464b extends from the third arrangement region 464a in the length direction (Y-axis direction) and is arranged adjacent to the second battery 169b. In one embodiment, the third arrangement region 464a and the fourth arrangement region 464b are arranged corresponding to two side surfaces of the second battery 169b in a plan view.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the fourth arrangement region 464b is located on either one of both side edges of the second housing 120 in the width direction (X-axis direction), thereby providing an environment in which the capacity (e.g., volume) of the second battery 169b can be sufficiently secured in the internal space of the second housing 120. In one embodiment, the fourth arrangement region 464b is located in the internal space of the second housing 120 between a rotation support surface (e.g., the second rotation support surface 122 in FIG. 3A ) and the second battery 169b. For example, the fourth arrangement region 464b is located at a position substantially adjacent to the second rotation support surface 122, thereby providing an environment in which the capacity of the second battery 169b can be secured.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the third arrangement region 464a and the fourth arrangement region 464b of the second circuit board 464 are described separately from the configuration of the first circuit board 462, but the third arrangement region 464a is substantially similar to the first arrangement region 462a, and the fourth arrangement region 464b is similar to the second arrangement region 462b. In the following detailed description, the configuration and detailed description of the first arrangement region 462a will be understood as the configuration and detailed description of the third arrangement region 464a, and the configuration and detailed description of the second arrangement region 462b will be understood as the configuration and detailed description of the fourth arrangement region 464b.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 400 and / or the first circuit board 462 and the second circuit board 464 further include connectors (462c, 464c) arranged in the second arrangement region 462b (or the fourth arrangement region 464b). The connectors (462c, 464c) vary in size or shape depending on the number of signal lines connected thereto or the type of signals assigned thereto, and generally extend in one direction and are arranged along the length direction (Y-axis direction) and / or the direction in which the rotation axes (P1, P2) extend. One end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 is formed as a connector portion (e.g., connector portion 443a in FIG. 10) corresponding to one of the connectors (462c, 464c). For example, one end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 is connected to the first circuit board 462 (or the second circuit board 464) via one of the connectors (462c, 464c) in the second placement area 462b (or the fourth placement area 464b).

[0077] According to an embodiment, the circuit board (462, 464), for example at least the second placement area 462b and / or the fourth placement area 464b, includes signal lines transmitting digital signals such as various control signals, data signals, and system power. In one embodiment, the circuit board (462, 464) includes 12 conductive layers (e.g., signal lines), and insulating and / or dielectric layers are provided between the conductive layers. In one embodiment, a reinforcing plate (e.g., reinforcing plate (462d, 464d) in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8) described below is provided as one of the conductive layers in the second placement area 462b and / or the fourth placement area 464b. Examples of transmission signals assigned to the conductive layers are shown in the following [Table 1].

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing plate (e.g., the reinforcing plate (462d, 464d) of FIG. 6 or FIG. 8) of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. With further reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, the electronic device 400 and / or the first circuit board 462 (e.g., the first circuit board 162 of FIG. 3A) and the second circuit board 464 (e.g., the second circuit board 164 of FIG. 3A) further includes a reinforcing plate 562 (e.g., the reinforcing plate (462d, 464d) of FIG. 6 or FIG. 8). The reinforcing plate 562 has a shape corresponding to at least the second arrangement region 462b of the first arrangement region 462a and the second arrangement region 462b, and includes a flat portion 562a and a bent portion 562b. The flat portion 562a is a portion that is substantially connected to the circuit board (462, 464) while facing the circuit board, and the bent portion 562b refers to a portion that is bent from the flat portion 562a so as to at least partially cover the side surface of the circuit board (462, 464). In one embodiment, a plurality of bent portions 562b are arranged on at least one side of the flat portion 562a, and an open region 562c is formed between the bent portions 562b. The open region 562c is, for example, a region that accommodates a portion that protrudes from an edge of the circuit board (462, 464).

[0080] According to an embodiment, the reinforcing plate 562 is disposed on the other side of the first circuit board 462 and the second circuit board 464 facing the second arrangement region 462b (or the fourth arrangement region 464b). According to an embodiment, the reinforcing plate 562 is substantially coupled to the first circuit board 462 (or the second circuit board 464) in the second arrangement region 462b (or the fourth arrangement region 464b). For example, the width (length measured in the X-axis direction) of the second arrangement region 462b is small, so that the mechanical strength of the second arrangement region 462b is weakened, and the reinforcing plate (462c, 562) is coupled to the second arrangement region 462b to supplement the mechanical strength of the first circuit board 462. In an embodiment, the reinforcing plate 562 is formed of an electrically conductive material such as stainless steel (SUS) and serves as a ground conductor for the first circuit board 462 (or the second circuit board 464).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the rotating support surfaces (e.g., the first rotating support surface 112 and the second rotating support surface 122 in FIG. 3A ) are curved surfaces corresponding to the hinge cover 140, and the external size of the electronic device 400 (e.g., the housing (110, 120)) is determined by the rotating support surfaces (112, 122). In the internal space of the electronic device 400, the first battery 169a and / or the second battery 169b are fabricated in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the external size or the shape of the internal space (e.g., an inclined surface or a curved surface) of the electronic device 400 and / or the housing (110, 120) determined by the rotating support surfaces (112, 122) only slightly contributes to expanding the capacity (e.g., volume) of the first battery 169a and / or the second battery 169b. For example, in the internal space of the electronic device 400 (e.g., the housing (110, 120)), there is a portion (hereinafter, referred to as 'unused space') that does not contribute to battery capacity assurance adjacent to the hinge cover 140. According to an embodiment, the second arrangement area 462b and / or the fourth arrangement area 464b are substantially arranged in the internal space, e.g., the unused space, secured by the rotation support surface (e.g., the first rotation support surface 112 and the second rotation support surface 122 in FIG. 3A).

[0082] According to an embodiment, in the second position, the second arrangement region 462b and the fourth arrangement region 464b are arranged side by side. For example, the connector 462c of the second arrangement region 462b and the connector 464c of the fourth arrangement region 464b are arranged side by side to reduce the wiring path electrically connecting the first circuit board 462 and the second circuit board 464. According to an embodiment, if the connectors (462c, 464c) are arranged in the first arrangement region 462a and / or the third arrangement region 464a along the length direction (Y-axis direction) to reduce the wiring path, it may be an obstacle to expanding the length (e.g., length in the Y-axis direction) of the first battery 169a and / or the second battery 169b. For example, the connectors (462c, 464c) are disposed in the second arrangement region 462b and / or the fourth arrangement region 464b, so that the length (e.g., capacity) of the first battery 169a and / or the second battery 169b can be easily extended. In this manner, in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100, 400 in FIGS. 1 to 4) according to an embodiment of the present invention, one end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 is disposed in line with one side (e.g., the idle space) of the battery (169a, 169b) in a direction intersecting the rotation axis (P1, P2) and connected to one of the circuit boards (462, 464). For example, by utilizing the idle space to arrange the wiring structure, the efficiency of utilization of the internal space of the electronic device (100, 400) and / or the housing (110, 120) is improved, and an environment is provided in which the capacity of the battery (169a, 169b) can be easily extended in the length direction (Y-axis direction). The correlation between the second placement area 462b and / or the fourth placement area 464b of the circuit board (462, 464) and the capacity of the batteries (169a, 169b) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flexible printed circuit board of an electronic device (eg, the electronic device (100, 400) of FIGS. 1-4) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] 10, the electronic device 400 includes a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards 441. A first flexible printed circuit board 441a of the flexible printed circuit boards 441 is configured to transmit an analog signal such as a radio frequency signal for wireless communication, and one end of the first flexible printed circuit board 441a is connected to a second arrangement area 462b (or a fourth arrangement area 464b) at a position adjacent to the first arrangement area 462a (or a third arrangement area 464a). The second flexible printed circuit board 441b of the flexible printed circuit boards 441 is provided as one or more boards. The second flexible printed circuit board 441b is arranged along the first rotation axis P1 or the second rotation axis P2 direction together with the first flexible printed circuit board 441a, and one end of the second flexible printed circuit board 441b is connected to the second arrangement area 462b (or a fourth arrangement area 464b). One end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 (e.g., connector portion 443a) is arranged in the same direction as the connectors (462c, 464c) in that the second arrangement area 462b extends, for example along the length direction (Y-axis direction) and / or the direction in which the rotation axes (P1, P2) extend.

[0085] According to an embodiment, taking one of the second flexible printed circuit boards 441b as an example, the flexible printed circuit board 441 includes a connector portion 443a, a first bending portion 443b, a fixing portion 443c, and / or a second bending portion 443d provided at both ends. The connector portion 443a provides a structure for connecting to one of the connectors (462c, 464c). For example, if the connectors (462c, 464c) are male connectors, the connector portion 443a includes a female connector. The first bending portion 443b extends from the connector portion 443a and is disposed inclined (e.g., vertically) relative to the connector portion 443a within the housing (110, 120). In an embodiment, the fixing portion 443c extends from the first bending portion 443b and is disposed inclined (e.g., vertically) relative to the first bending portion 443b, and is positioned substantially opposite the connector portion 443a. In one embodiment, the fixing portion 443c is disposed facing the connector portion 443a across a portion of the internal structure of the housing (110, 120). In another embodiment, the fixing portion 443c is fixed to a portion of the internal structure of the housing (110, 120). For example, the fixing portion 443c is fixed to one of the first mid-plate 152 and the second mid-plate 154 of FIG. 3A. The second bent portion 443d is an extended portion between the two fixing portions 443c and is disposed in the internal space of the hinge cover 140 in a generally curved or curved shape. In a second position, for example, when the electronic device is unfolded, the second bent portion 443d forms a curved or curved shape having an inflection point (a point where the radius of curvature changes from a negative value to a positive value or from a positive value to a negative value).

[0086] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing a part of an electronic device (electronic device 100, 400 in FIGS. 1 to 4) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a cutaway view of electronic device 400 taken along line AA in FIG. 4, for example. For configurations that can be easily understood from the preceding embodiments, the same reference numerals as in the preceding embodiments may be used or omitted, and detailed descriptions thereof may also be omitted.

[0088] 10 and 11, the electronic device 500 further includes a first support member 556a and a second support member 556b. The first support member 556a is disposed inside the first housing 110 and defines a space in which the first battery 169a is accommodated. For example, the first support member 556a is disposed between the first battery 169a and the first circuit board 462 (e.g., the second placement area 462b in FIG. 5) and protects the first battery 169a from mechanical interference. In an embodiment, the second support member 566b is disposed inside the second housing 120 and protects the second battery 169b from mechanical interference. In an embodiment, the first support member 556a is a part of the first mid-plate 152 and / or is integrally formed with the first side member 111 in FIG. 3A. The second support member 556b is a part of the second mid-plate 154 and / or is integrally formed with the second side member 121 in FIG. 3A.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 500 further includes a first sealing member 599a disposed on the first rotation support surface 112 and a second sealing member 599b disposed on the second rotation support surface 122. The sealing members (599a, 599b) are substantially in close contact with the outer surface of the hinge cover 140. In an embodiment, the interior space of the electronic device 500 is formed by a structure in which the hinge cover 140 and the housing (110, 120) are combined. The housing (110, 120) is folded or unfolded by rotating relative to each other and / or relative to the hinge cover 140, and a specified gap is formed between the hinge cover 140 and the housing (110, 120) for smoothness of the rotating operation. In one embodiment, the sealing members (559a, 599b) are made of a low-density elastic material (e.g., sponge) and seal the gap between the hinge cover 140 and the housing (110, 120) while slidingly contacting the outer surface of the hinge cover 140. In one embodiment, the material of the sealing members (599a, 599b) is appropriately selected in consideration of the sealing property or the lubricity in the sliding contact.

[0090] According to an embodiment, one end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 (e.g., the connector portion 443a in FIG. 10) is connected to the first circuit board 462 (e.g., the second arrangement area 462b in FIG. 5) in the first housing 110, and the other end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 is connected to the second circuit board 464 (e.g., the fourth arrangement area 464b in FIG. 7) in the second housing 120. The flexible printed circuit board 441 is disposed in the internal space of the hinge cover 140 through the area between the first battery 169a (or the second battery 169b) and the first circuit board 462 (or the second circuit board 464) and / or through the area between the first circuit board 462 (or the second circuit board 464) and the flexible display 130. For example, the flexible printed circuit board 441 is disposed to partially surround the first circuit board 462 (or the second circuit board 464), such that at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 441 (e.g., the fixing portion 443c in FIG. 10) is disposed between one end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 (e.g., the connector portion 443a in FIG. 10) and the flexible display 130. According to an embodiment, inside the first housing 110 or the second housing 120, the fixing portion 443c at least partially overlaps one end of the flexible printed circuit board 441 (e.g., the connector portion 443a) in the thickness direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0091] In one embodiment, the fixing portion 443c in FIG. 10 is at least partially fixed to an internal structure (e.g., mid-plate (152, 154)) of the housing (110, 120) between the first circuit board 462 (or the second circuit board 464) and the flexible display 130. According to one embodiment, a portion (e.g., the first bent portion 443b in FIG. 10) between one end and the fixing portion 443c is located facing one side of the battery (169a, 169b). In one embodiment, a portion of the support member (556a, 556b) is disposed between the first bent portion 443b and one side of the battery (169a, 169b).

[0092] As mentioned above, according to an embodiment, the curved shape of the rotating support surfaces (112, 122) and / or the hinge cover 140 may limit the battery capacity relative to the internal space of the housings (110, 120). As shown in FIG. 11, in the case of a structure in which the width of the batteries (169a, 169b) is maximized in the X-axis direction, the idle space (e.g., the internal space of the housings (110, 120) formed by the rotating support surfaces (112, 122)) that contributes little to expanding the battery capacity is substantially located between the batteries (169a, 169b) and the hinge cover 140. In an embodiment, it can be seen that the idle space is expanded in the +X direction in the first housing 110 and in the -X direction in the second housing 120 as it moves away from the flexible display 130 in the -Z direction. In an embodiment, the second arrangement region 462b (or the fourth arrangement region 464b) and the flexible printed circuit board 441 at least partially overlap with the rotation support surface (112, 122) and / or the hinge cover 140 when projected in a thickness direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the housing (110, 120). In an embodiment, the greater the height h at which the circuit board (462, 464) (e.g., the second arrangement region 462b or the fourth arrangement region 464b) is arranged with respect to the flexible display 130, the greater the area or width OL of the arrangement region (462b, 464b) overlapping with any one of the rotation support surfaces (112, 122), and the greater the interval w between the support member (556a, 556b) and / or the battery (169a, 169b) and the circuit board (462, 464). For example, when the circuit board (462, 464) (e.g., the second placement area 462b or the fourth placement area 464b) is positioned close to the hinge module 102, to the extent permitted by the internal space of the housing (110, 120), at least a portion of the gap w is utilized as space to substantially expand the capacity of the battery (169a, 169b).In the illustrated embodiment, the second arrangement region 462b (or the fourth arrangement region 464b) and the flexible printed circuit board 441 are configured to at least partially overlap the rotation support surface (112, 122) and / or the hinge cover 140 when projected in the thickness direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the housing (110, 120), but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the thickness of the structure forming the rotation support surface (112, 122) is large, it may be difficult to ensure a height for accommodating the second arrangement region 462b (or the fourth arrangement region 464b) and / or the connector portion 443a of the flexible printed circuit board 441, for example, a height of an idle space in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the second arrangement region 462b (or the fourth arrangement region 464b) and the flexible printed circuit board 441 do not need to overlap the rotation support surface (112, 122) and / or the hinge cover 140 in the thickness direction. In another embodiment, the second placement area 462b (or the fourth placement area 464b) and the flexible printed circuit board 441 overlap the rotation support surfaces (112, 122) in the thickness direction, but do not need to overlap the hinge cover 140.

[0093] In this manner, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., the electronic device (100, 400, 500) of FIGS. 1 to 4 and / or 11) has a structure in which at least a pair of housings (110, 120) are rotatably coupled, and a wiring structure (e.g., the placement area (462b, 464b) of FIG. 5 or FIG. 7 and / or the flexible printed circuit board 441 of FIG. 10) is placed using an area that contributes little to securing the capacity of the battery (169a, 169b), thereby improving design freedom regarding the placement of electric / electronic components in other areas. In other embodiments, the extra space secured by placing the wiring structure in the unused space can be used to secure the battery capacity or contribute to miniaturizing the circuit board and / or the housing.

[0094] As described with reference to FIG. 11, it is understood that the smaller the thickness or width of the circuit board (e.g., the circuit board (462, 464) in FIGS. 5 to 8), e.g., the second arrangement region 462b (or the fourth arrangement region 464b), the easier it is to provide a wiring structure in a narrower unused space. In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate in FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and / or FIG. 9 increases the thickness or width of the second arrangement region, thereby contributing to improving the stiffness or strength of the circuit board (462, 464), but there is a limit to how much unused space can be utilized. A structure for further improving the utilization of the unused space will be described with further reference to FIG. 12.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of a circuit board (e.g., the circuit board (462, 464) in FIGS. 5 to 8) or a reinforcing plate 652 (e.g., the reinforcing plate (462d, 464d) in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100, 400, 500) in FIGS. 1 to 4 or FIG. 11) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] 12, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100, 400, 500) of FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 or FIG. 11) includes at least one reinforcing plate disposed on the other side of the second arrangement region 462b of the first circuit board 462 (or the fourth arrangement region 464b of the second circuit board 464). While the reinforcing plate 562 of FIG. 9 is structured to substantially surround the entire second arrangement region 462b, the reinforcing plate 652 of FIG. 12 is structured to be disposed in a portion of the second arrangement region 462b. For example, depending on the internal structure or shape of the first housing or the second housing (e.g., the housing (110, 120) of FIG. 1 to FIG. 3A), a portion of the second arrangement region 462b (e.g., the portion indicated by 'N') has a narrower width than other portions. The electronic device (100, 400, 500) can improve the strength of at least the narrow portion of the second placement area 462b by including a reinforcing plate 652 arranged on the other side of the first circuit board 462 (or the second circuit board 464) in the narrow portion indicated by 'N'.

[0097] According to an embodiment, a plurality of stiffening plates 652 are provided, and at least one of the stiffening plates 652 is disposed at a position corresponding to one of the connectors (462c, 464c). For example, the stiffening plate 652 is disposed in a narrow portion of the second placement area 462b or corresponding to the connectors (462c, 464c) to improve the strength of the circuit board (462, 464). In an embodiment, a passive element and / or an integrated circuit chip (not shown) is disposed on the other side of the second placement area 462b or the fourth placement area 464b, and the stiffening plate 652 is disposed on the other side of the second placement area 462b or the fourth placement area 464b without overlapping the passive element and / or the integrated circuit chip.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 652 has a thickness smaller than the height of the passive element or integrated circuit chip protruding from the other surface of the second arrangement region 462b or the fourth arrangement region 464b. In another embodiment, the reinforcing plate 652 is substantially located within the second arrangement region 462b or the fourth arrangement region 464b in the width direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). For example, even if the reinforcing plate 652 is arranged, it does not affect the space required to accommodate the second arrangement region 462b or the fourth arrangement region 464b inside the housing (110, 102). This allows the reinforcing plate 652 to be arranged without requiring additional accommodation space, thereby improving the strength of the circuit board (462, 464). In one embodiment, the shape or size of the reinforcing plate 652 is appropriately designed taking into consideration the shape of the area or space in which it is actually arranged. In one embodiment, the stiffening plate 652 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as SUS, and when made of an electrically conductive material, serves as a ground for the electronic device (100, 400, 500) and / or the circuit board (462, 464).

[0099] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100, 400, 500) of FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 or FIG. 11) includes a first housing (e.g., first housing 110 of FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 or FIG. 11), a second housing (e.g., second housing 120 of FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 or FIG. 11), a hinge area disposed between the first housing and the second housing (e.g., a region or space between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, the region being disposed corresponding to the folding region 133 of the flexible display 130 in the unfolded position), and a hinge member provided in the hinge area and coupled to the first housing and the second housing, configured to allow the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other between a folded position (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 2) and an unfolded position (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 1). The hinge structure includes at least one hinge module (e.g., the hinge structure or hinge module 102 of FIG. 3A or FIG. 11), a first battery (e.g., any one of the batteries (169a, 169b) of FIG. 3A, FIG. 4, or FIG. 11) provided in the first housing, and a first portion (first portion) provided in the first housing and disposed between the first battery and the hinge region. and at least one flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (e.g., flexible printed circuit board 441 of FIG. 4, 10, or 11) extending from an interior of the first housing to an interior of the second housing, wherein a portion of the at least one flexible printed circuit board is disposed between the first battery and the first portion of the first circuit board.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100, 400, 500) of FIGS. 1 to 4 and / or 11) includes at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge structure or hinge module 102 of FIGS. 3A and / or 11) that provides at least one folding axis (e.g., at least one of the rotation axes (A1, A2) of FIGS. 3 and / or 11), and a first housing (e.g., hinge structure or hinge module 102 of FIGS. 3A and / or 11) coupled to the hinge module and rotating about at least one folding axis (e.g., first rotation axis A1 of FIG. 3A or FIG. 4). 1 to 4 or 11), a second housing (e.g., second housing 120 of FIG. 1 to 4 or 11) coupled to a hinge module and rotatable about at least one folding axis and rotatable relative to the first housing between a first position (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 2) in which the housing is folded facing the first housing and a second position (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 1) in which the housing is unfolded by a specified angle from the first position, and a first battery (e.g., the battery 130 of FIG. 3A, FIG. 4 or FIG. 11) provided in the first housing. a first circuit board (e.g., the first circuit board (162, 462) in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, or FIG. 11) including a first arrangement region (e.g., the first or third arrangement region (462a, 464a) in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7) at least partially arranged alongside the first battery along a direction parallel to the folding axis, and a second arrangement region (e.g., the second or fourth arrangement region (462b, 464b) in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7) extending from the first arrangement region and arranged between the folding axis and the first battery; and at least one flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board 411 in FIG. 4, FIG. 10, or FIG. 11) extending from the inside of the first housing to the inside of the second housing and arranged to cross the folding axis, wherein inside the first housing, one end of the at least one flexible printed circuit board is connected to the second arrangement area between the folding axis and the first battery, and a portion of the at least one flexible printed circuit board is arranged between the first battery and the second arrangement area.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board includes a connector portion (e.g., connector portion 443a in FIG. 10) connected to the second placement area, a first bent portion (e.g., first bent portion 443b in FIG. 10) extending from the connector portion and positioned between the first battery and the second placement area, and a fixing portion (e.g., fixing portion 443c in FIG. 10) extending from the first bent portion and positioned to face the connector portion across a portion of the second placement area.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 130 of FIG. 3A or FIG. 11) arranged to extend from one side of the first housing across the area in which the hinge module is arranged to one side of the second housing, and the fixing portion is at least partially disposed between the connector portion and the flexible display.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the fixing portion is fixed to the interior of the first housing (eg, the first mid-plate 152 in FIG. 3A or FIG. 11) between the second placement area and the flexible display.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes a flexible display arranged to extend from one side of the first housing across the area where the hinge module is arranged to reach one side of the second housing, and a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover 140 of FIG. 3A, FIG. 4, or FIG. 11) arranged between the first housing and the second housing and accommodating at least a portion of the hinge module, and the flexible printed circuit board includes a connector portion connected to the second arrangement area, a first bent portion extending from the connector portion and arranged between the first battery and the second arrangement area, a fixing portion extending from the first bent portion and arranged at least partially between the second arrangement area and the flexible display, a second bent portion (e.g., second bent portion 443d of FIG. 10) extending from the fixing portion and arranged inside the hinge cover, and another fixing portion extending from the second bent portion and arranged inside the second housing.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board further includes another first bending portion extending from the other fixed portion and positioned inside the second housing, and another connector portion extending from the other first bending portion and positioned inside the second housing, and the other fixed portion is positioned at least partially between the other connector portion and the flexible display.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the second arrangement region extends from one side edge of the first arrangement region along the folding axis direction and is arranged on one side of the first battery.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes a hinge cover disposed between the first housing and the second housing and accommodating at least a portion of the hinge module, the hinge cover being exposed between the first housing and the second housing in a first position and being at least partially hidden by the first housing and the second housing in a second position.

[0108] According to one embodiment, when projected along the thickness direction of the first housing or the second housing in the second position, one end of the flexible printed circuit board at least partially overlaps the hinge cover (see, for example, FIG. 11).

[0109] According to one embodiment, in the second position, one end of the flexible printed circuit board is located in the space between the first battery and the hinge cover (see, for example, FIG. 11).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes a second circuit board accommodated in the second housing, and the flexible printed circuit board electrically couples the first circuit board and the second circuit board to each other.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes a second battery disposed adjacent to the second circuit board within the second housing, and the other end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the second circuit board between the second battery and the folding axis.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the second circuit board includes a third arrangement area arranged alongside the second battery in a direction parallel to the folding axis, and a fourth arrangement area extending from the third arrangement area along the folding axis direction and arranged between the folding axis and the second battery, and the other end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the fourth arrangement area.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes at least one reinforcing plate (e.g., reinforcing plate (462d, 464d) in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8) disposed in at least one of the second placement area and the fourth placement area.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes at least one reinforcing plate arranged on one side of at least one of the second placement area and the fourth placement area, and the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the first circuit board and the second circuit board from the other side of the second placement area and the other side of the fourth placement area, respectively.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the electronic device includes a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards arranged along a folding axis direction.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portable communication device (e.g., electronic device (100, 400, 500) of FIGS. 1 to 4 and / or 11) is foldable around a folding axis (e.g., at least one of a first rotation axis A1 of FIG. 3A or FIG. 4 or a second rotation axis A2 of FIG. 3A or FIG. 4), and includes a first housing portion (e.g., first housing 110 of FIG. 1 to 4 or FIG. 11), a second housing portion (e.g., second housing 120 of FIG. 1 to 4 or FIG. 11), and at least a portion of the first housing portion and at least a portion of the second housing portion. the first housing portion includes a first sidewall portion extending parallel to the folding axis (e.g., in the first housing 110 of FIG. 3A , a sidewall portion extending parallel to the Y axis and positioned farther from the first rotation axis A1), a second sidewall portion extending perpendicular to the folding axis from a first end of the first sidewall portion (e.g., in the first housing 110 of FIG. 3A , one of the two sidewall portions extending parallel to the X axis and positioned closer to the +Y side than the other sidewall portion), and A housing including a third sidewall portion extending perpendicularly to the folding axis from a second end of the first sidewall portion (e.g., in the first housing 110 of FIG. 3A , one of two sidewall portions extending parallel to the X-axis, which is located closer to the −Y-axis than the other sidewall portion), a hinge module (e.g., the hinge structure or hinge module 102 of FIG. 3A and / or FIG. 11 ) accommodated in the housing and connected to the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and a flexible display (e.g., the hinge structure or hinge module 102 of FIG. 3A and / or FIG. 11 ) accommodated in the first housing portion and the second housing portion. A battery (e.g., any one of batteries (169a, 169b) in FIG. 3A, FIG. 4, or FIG. 11) accommodated in the first housing portion and having a first side facing the second side wall portion and spaced apart from the second side wall portion by a first distance, and a second side facing the hinge cover and spaced apart from the hinge cover by a second distance shorter than the first distance; and a first portion (e.g., first and third placement regions (462a, 464a) in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7) accommodated in the first housing portion and positioned between the first side of the battery and the second side wall portion;a first rigid printed circuit board (RPCB) (e.g., first circuit board 162 in FIG. 3A ) including a second portion (e.g., second and fourth placement areas (462b, 464b) in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7 ) extending from the first portion and positioned between the second side of the battery and the hinge cover, the second portion including a first surface facing the flexible display, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the second portion, and a first connector (e.g., connector 462c in FIG. 5 ) positioned on the second surface of the second portion; and a third portion (e.g., fourth placement area 464b in FIG. 7 ) received in the second housing portion and at least partially facing the second portion of the first RPCB when the housing is folded, the third portion including a first surface facing the flexible display, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the third portion, and a second connector (e.g., connector 462c in FIG. 5 ) positioned on the second surface of the third portion. and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (e.g., flexible printed circuit board 441 of FIG. 4, FIG. 10, or FIG. 11) at least partially disposed between the hinge cover and the flexible display and coupled to the first connector of the first RPCB and the second connector of the second RPCB, the FPCB extending in a first direction (e.g., −X direction from hinge cover 140 of FIG. 11) to surround the second surface of the second part of the first RPCB, a side surface between the first surface of the second part and the second surface of the second part, and a part of the first surface of the second part, and coupled to the first connector, and extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., +X direction from hinge cover 140 of FIG. 11) to couple to the second connector.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the portable communication device as described above further includes a support member (e.g., midplate 152 in FIG. 3 or FIG. 11) received in the first housing portion between the FPCB and the first housing portion and to which a portion of the FPCB (e.g., fixed portion 443c in FIG. 10) is fixed.

[0118] In one embodiment, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first RPCB, a portion of the FPCB at least partially overlaps the first connector.

[0119] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the FPCB (eg, the first bent portion 443b in FIG. 10) surrounding the side of the second portion of the first RPCB is spaced apart from the side of the second portion of the first RPCB to form a curved surface.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the portable communication device as described above further includes an application processor (e.g., an electrical / electronic component disposed on or included in circuit board (462, 464) of FIG. 4) located in the first portion of the first RPCB and electrically coupled to the first connector.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the portable communication device as described above further includes at least one other FPCB arranged between the hinge cover and the flexible display, wherein the first RPCB includes at least one third connector located on the second surface of the second part, and the second RPCB includes at least one fourth connector located on the second surface of the third part, and the other FPCB extends in a first direction to surround the first surface of the second part of the first RPCB, a side surface of the second part, and a portion of the second surface of the second part, and is connected to the third connector, and extends in a second direction to surround the first surface of the third part of the second RPCB, a side surface of the third part, and a portion of the second surface of the third part, and is connected to the fourth connector.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the electronic device as described above further includes another display (e.g., a sub-display visually exposed to the outside through one of the rear covers (180, 190) of FIG. 2) accommodated in the second housing portion, the flexible display being positioned such that it is not visually exposed to the outside of the portable communication device when the housing is folded, and the other display being positioned such that it is visually exposed to the outside of the portable communication device regardless of whether the housing is folded or not.

[0123] In the above detailed description of the present specification, a specific embodiment has been described, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 100, 400, 500 electronic devices 102 Hinge module (hinge structure) 110, 120 1st and 2nd housings 110a, 110b, 120a, 120b 1st to 4th sides 111, 121 First and second side members 111a, 121a 1st and 2nd sides 112, 122 First and second rotating support surfaces 113 Side 123 holes 124 Sensor Area 130 (flexible) display 131, 132 1st and 2nd area 133 Folding Area 135 Display Panel 137 Support Plate 140 Hinge cover 141 Hinge bracket 143a, 143b First and second hinge arms 145a, 145b First and second pivot pins 150 Bracket Assembly 152, 154 1st and 2nd midplates 162, 462 1st circuit board 164, 464 2nd circuit board 169a, 169b 1st and 2nd batteries 180, 190 1st and 2nd rear covers 182 Sub-display 182, 192 1st and 2nd back area 441 Flexible Printed Circuit Board 441a, 441b, 441c 1st to 3rd flexible printed circuit board 443a Connector part 443b, 443d 1st and 2nd bending parts 443c Fixed part 462a, 462b, 464a, 464b 1st to 4th placement area 462c, 464c 1st and 2nd connectors 462d, 464d, 562, 652 Reinforcement plate 556a, 556b First and second support members 562a Flat part 562b Bending part 562c open area 599a, 599b First and second sealing members P1, P2 1st and 2nd rotating shafts

Claims

1. A first housing; A second housing; a hinge region disposed between the first housing and the second housing; at least one hinge module provided at the hinge region and configured to couple to the first and second housings to permit pivoting of the first and second housings relative to one another between a folded position and an unfolded position; a first battery provided in the first housing; a first circuit board provided in the first housing and including a first portion disposed between the first battery and the hinge region; at least one flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) extending from an interior of the first housing to an interior of the second housing; a portion of the at least one flexible printed circuit board disposed between the first battery and the first portion of the first circuit board;

2. The at least one flexible printed circuit board comprises: A connector portion connected to the first portion; a first bent portion extending from the connector portion and disposed between the first battery and the first portion; The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a fixing portion extending from the first bent portion and disposed to face the connector portion across a portion of the first portion.

3. a flexible display disposed from one surface of the first housing across the hinge region to one surface of the second housing; The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the fixing portion is at least partially disposed between the connector portion and the flexible display.

4. The electronic device of claim 3 , wherein the fixing portion is fixed inside the first housing between the first portion and the flexible display.

5. a flexible display disposed from one surface of the first housing across the hinge region to one surface of the second housing; a hinge cover disposed between the first housing and the second housing and housing at least a portion of the at least one hinge module; The at least one flexible printed circuit board comprises: A connector portion connected to the first portion; a first bent portion extending from the connector portion and disposed between the first battery and the first portion; a fixing portion extending from the first bending portion and at least partially disposed between the first portion and the flexible display; a second bent portion extending from the fixed portion and disposed inside the hinge cover; The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising: another fixing portion extending from the second bent portion and disposed inside the second housing.

6. The at least one flexible printed circuit board comprises: another first bent portion extending from the another fixed portion and disposed inside the second housing; another connector portion extending from the other first bent portion and disposed inside the second housing, The electronic device of claim 5 , wherein the other fixing portion is at least partially disposed between the other connector portion and the flexible display.

7. the first circuit board further includes a second portion disposed adjacent to the first battery; The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the first portion extends from one side edge of the second portion and is disposed on one side of the first battery.

8. a hinge cover disposed between the first housing and the second housing and housing at least a portion of the at least one hinge module; The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the hinge cover is exposed between the first housing and the second housing in the folded position and is at least partially hidden by the first housing and the second housing in the unfolded position.

9. 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein when projected along a thickness direction of the first housing or the second housing in the unfolded position, one end of the at least one flexible printed circuit board at least partially overlaps the hinge cover.

10. The electronic device of claim 8 , wherein in the extended position, one end of the at least one flexible printed circuit board is located in a space between the first battery and the hinge cover.

11. a second circuit board accommodated in the second housing; 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible printed circuit board electrically connects the first circuit board and the second circuit board to each other.

12. a second battery disposed within the second housing adjacent to the second circuit board; The electronic device of claim 11 , wherein the other end of the at least one flexible printed circuit board is connected to the second circuit board between the second battery and the hinge region.

13. The second circuit board is a third portion disposed alongside the second battery; a fourth portion extending from the third portion and disposed between the hinge region and the second battery; The electronic device of claim 12 , wherein the other end of the at least one flexible printed circuit board is connected to the fourth portion.

14. The electronic device of claim 13 , further comprising at least one stiffening plate disposed on at least one of the first portion or the fourth portion.

15. At least one reinforcing plate disposed on at least one surface of the first portion or the fourth portion, The electronic device of claim 13 , wherein the at least one flexible printed circuit board is connected to the first circuit board and the second circuit board from the other side of the first portion and the other side of the fourth portion, respectively.

16. the at least one hinge module is configured to provide at least one folding axis about which the first housing and the second housing rotate; The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards are arranged along the at least one folding axis direction.

17. a housing foldable about a folding axis, the housing including a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a hinge cover located between at least a portion of the first housing portion and at least a portion of the second housing portion, the first housing portion including a first sidewall portion extending parallel to the folding axis, a second sidewall portion extending from a first end of the first sidewall portion perpendicular to the folding axis, and a third sidewall portion extending from a second end of the first sidewall portion perpendicular to the folding axis; a hinge module received in the housing and coupled to the first housing portion and the second housing portion; a flexible display housed in the first housing portion and the second housing portion; a battery housed in the first housing portion, the battery having a first side facing the second side wall portion and spaced a first distance from the second side wall portion, and a second side facing the hinge cover and spaced a second distance from the hinge cover that is shorter than the first distance; a first rigid printed circuit board (RPCB) accommodated in the first housing portion and including a first portion located between the first side of the battery and the second side wall portion, and a second portion extending from the first portion and located between the second side of the battery and the hinge cover, the second portion including a first surface facing the flexible display, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the second portion, and a first connector located on the second surface of the second portion; a second RPCB received in the second housing portion and including a third portion at least partially facing the second portion of the first RPCB when the housing is folded, the third portion including a first surface facing the flexible display, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the third portion, and a second connector located on the second surface of the third portion; a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) at least partially disposed between the hinge cover and the flexible display and coupled to the first connector of the first RPCB and the second connector of the second RPCB; The FPCB comprises: the first RPCB extends in a first direction to surround the second surface of the second portion of the first RPCB, a side surface between the first surface and the second surface of the second portion, and a part of the first surface of the second portion, and is connected to the first connector; a second connector extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction and connected to the second connector.

18. 20. The portable communication device according to claim 17, further comprising a support member disposed between the FPCB and the first housing portion, the support member having a portion of the FPCB fixed thereto.

19. 20. The portable communication device of claim 18, wherein a portion of the FPCB at least partially overlaps the first connector when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first RPCB.

20. 20. The portable communication device of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the FPCB surrounding the side of the second portion of the first RPCB is spaced apart from the side of the second portion of the first RPCB to form a curved surface.

21. 20. The portable communication device of claim 17, further comprising an application processor located in the first portion of the first RPCB and electrically coupled to the first connector.

22. and further comprising at least one other FPCB disposed between the hinge cover and the flexible display; the first RPCB includes a third connector located on the second surface of the second portion; the second RPCB includes a fourth connector located on the second surface of the third portion; The other FPCB is the first RPCB extends in the first direction to surround the first surface of the second portion, the side surface of the second portion, and a portion of the second surface of the second portion, and is connected to the third connector; 18. The portable communication device of claim 17, wherein the second RPCB extends in the second direction to surround the first surface of the third portion, the side surface of the third portion, and a portion of the second surface of the third portion and is connected to the fourth connector.

23. further comprising a further display housed in the second housing portion; the flexible display is positioned such that it is not visually exposed externally from the portable communication device when the housing is folded; 20. The portable communication device of claim 17, wherein the other display is positioned so as to be visually exposed to the exterior from the portable communication device regardless of whether the housing is folded or not.

24. The hinge module includes: A hinge bracket; a plurality of pivot pins including a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin; 20. The portable communication device of claim 17, further comprising: a plurality of hinge arms including a first hinge arm pivotably coupled to the hinge bracket by the first pivot pin, and a second hinge arm pivotably coupled to the hinge bracket by the second pivot pin.

25. the first hinge arm is coupled to a midplate of the first housing portion; 25. The portable communication device of claim 24, wherein the second hinge arm is coupled to a mid-plate of the second housing portion.

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